Side Effects of Lemon Juice You Probably Didn’t Know About

Lemon, yellow or green, is a citrus fruit with many virtues and endless uses: for beauty, health and even cleaning around the house. It has become an indispensable ingredient in everyday life. But do you know that use of lemon also has side effects that must be absolutely taken into consideration?

Lemon is a fruit rich in vitamin C, citric and ascorbic acid and antioxidants. Well known for its antiseptic, detoxifying, antioxidant and whitening properties, it is a component of many cosmetics and is part of the ingredients of many remedies and slimming drinks. However, many people are unaware that it also has side effects that can do more harm than good.

Side effects of lemon juice

– Skin
Lemon is very beneficial for the skin because it cleanses, tightens and brightens it. Moreover, it is generally used to fight against various skin problems such as acne, blackheads, enlarged pores and brown spots. However, it is important to know that lemon juice is not suitable for all skin types.

Application of lemon juice on a dry and dehydrated skin may be more irritating and redness may appear and even cause a burning sensation. Lemon also has a photo-sensitizing effect which increases the risk of sunburn and brown spots if you are exposed to sunlight after its use.

– Teeth
The consumption of a significant amount of acidic food, or direct application thereof on the teeth has a weakening effect on the teeth. Lemon, for example, which is used as a bleaching agent and as a mouthwash, causes dissolution of calcium in the teeth and leads to an erosion of their enamel, as well as increased sensitivity to hot and cold. Furthermore, acidity may irritate the mucous membranes in the mouth and lead to the appearance of canker sores.
To prevent this, drink acidic drinks by using a straw and limit the use of remedies that contain lemon to once a week.

– Digestive system
With its acidity, lemon juice can help boost the function of your stomach and improve your digestion after a heavy meal. But consumed regularly or in large quantities, it can cause heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux, which can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Its use is also not recommended in case of ulcer because its high acid content can damage the walls of the stomach and inhibit the healing of the ulcer.

To avoid this, it is advisable to consume it diluted in water or consuming it with other foods. As a detox juice, it is recommended to start with a small amount and gradually increase the dosage.

– Kidneys and gallbladder
Regarding this point, rather it is the skin of the fruit, not of its flesh that has adverse effect on the kidneys and gallbladder. Indeed, lemon rind contains a significant amount of oxalate, a substance which occurs naturally in certain plants and which has a powerful antioxidant effect on the tissues and cells of the body. However, several studies have shown that high concentration of oxalates in the body, lead to their crystallization and thus creation of the kidney and gallbladder stones.

Thus, people suffering from bile problems or a history of kidney stones should avoid eating citrus peel and other sources of oxalates (spinach, figs, potatoes, beets, etc.).

– Frequent urination and dehydration
Thanks to its high content of vitamin C, lemon has a diuretic effect that helps remove excess fluids and sodium, thus increasing the amount of urine filtered by the kidneys. When the amount of fluid removed is not replaced, it can lead to moderate dehydration.

So if you feel dehydrated after drinking lemon water, reduce the amount of lemon juice that you add to your water and remember to drink plenty of water during the day.

To make the most of the virtues of lemon without suffering from side effects, it is important to choose organic lemons, and consume it in moderation. If you have any health problem, consult your doctor before using it as a remedy.